What should be on your renovation radar?

Successful renovators understand that not all dwellings are a viable candidate for renovation; only some can reasonably be expected to turn a profit once fixed up.

You need to take some time to familiarise yourself with the qualities that make up what the real estate agents label a ‘renovator’s dream’. Failure to do so could turn the process into a renovator’s nightmare.

Weeding out the good from the bad will come down to more than just assessing the property’s condition. That’s only one step in the process – and it’s not the first one.

In fact, it’s just as much what you do before the physical renovation that will determine whether you turn a profit. That prep work includes researching the location, demand for and then the condition of a potential renovation target.

Choose your target Once you have pinpointed these areas, spend between 12 and 16 weeks attending open houses to get a clear idea both of what renovated and unrenovated properties are worth in the area. This should help you decide whether you will be able to purchase and turn a profit in a given location.

You will also need to research the local culture and demographics of the area so you can renovate in line with the suburb’s overall ‘vibe’.

Your research may take a few months to complete, but it’s much better to spend time getting to know your market than to risk renovating a property for no profit at all.

The best suburbs to focus on will be the ones in which property values range from high to low because, as a renovator, you will need to buy low and sell high to realise a property’s full potential.

Suburbs where the land has been built out and the only option is to renovate will offer the most scope for renovation work. You should keep your eyes peeled for properties within close proximity to public transport, infrastructure, shops and schools as these are generally features that most buyers seek.

These are all qualities to look for; but there are also locations that for a renovator are definitely a ‘no no’.

You should avoid suburbs where new housing or new estates have been established since a brand new house will always outperform a renovation.

Steer clear, also, of suburbs where there is a significant amount of land available as a new house could be built there for less than it would cost to renovate an existing property.